The initial fire department report regarding the Air India Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad has brought to light a critical issue that significantly hampered firefighting and rescue operations: overcrowding at the crash site. The report, released on June 16, 2025, underscores how the presence of a large number of onlookers severely impeded the movement of emergency teams and restricted their access to the wreckage.
According to the fire department's findings, the influx of people to the crash site created a chaotic environment. This congestion made it difficult for firefighters to reach the areas where their expertise was most needed, thus delaying their ability to suppress the flames and potentially rescue survivors. The report indicates that the sheer number of bystanders physically blocked access routes, preventing fire trucks and other essential vehicles from maneuvering effectively.
The chaotic scene also hindered the efforts of rescue personnel attempting to provide medical assistance and evacuate the injured. The report noted that rescuers were quickly overwhelmed by the number of victims and the number of onlookers at the crash site. With no coordination among the rescue team, the evacuation was severely hampered. The crush of people made it challenging to identify and prioritize those in need of immediate care, further complicating the rescue process. In similar past incidents, such as the Mandala Airlines Flight 091 crash, the chaotic situation and crowded conditions of the crash site made the evacuation process difficult.
In light of these challenges, the fire department's report includes several key recommendations aimed at improving future disaster response efforts. One of the primary suggestions is to enhance communication equipment for emergency responders. Reliable and efficient communication systems are crucial for coordinating activities, disseminating information, and maintaining situational awareness during a crisis.
Another vital recommendation is to implement stricter measures for restricting access to crash sites. Establishing and enforcing a secure perimeter around the affected area is essential for ensuring that emergency teams can operate without obstruction. The report emphasizes the need for clear protocols and adequate resources to control crowds and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the site.
Furthermore, the fire department advocates for a thorough revision of the existing disaster management plan. This revision should incorporate lessons learned from the Air India crash and address the specific challenges posed by overcrowding. The updated plan should outline strategies for managing crowds, establishing clear lines of authority, and coordinating the efforts of various responding agencies.
Past incidents offer insight on how to improve disaster response. For example, following the crash of Mandala Airlines Flight 091, the NTSC issued a request for the DGCA to mandate airports in Indonesia to conduct a real-time exercise of their Airport Emergency Plan at least once a year.
The Air India mishap serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for effective crowd control and comprehensive disaster preparedness. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the fire department's report, authorities can better protect emergency responders, improve rescue outcomes, and mitigate the impact of future aviation accidents.
